Aliadiere embarks on a positive run, however he is off balance when winding up to striker and the ball flicks wide of goal.

We're back, with Stoke kicking-off the second half.

It is james.dall@bskyb.com to sling me an email or you can use the feedback button if that tickles your fancy.

Matt Craig, a Stoke fan, is backing his boys to come good and get something from the game. Andy Milburn, meanwhile, feels Mido will come off the bench to kill the game off.

Derek The Barber has got in touch again, voicing his hope that Boro can hold onto Wheather for many years to come. The defender has been impressive again this afternoon.

The first period draws to a close here. Faye's sending off well and truly messed things up for Stoke. Boro have dominated since going 1-0 up. Make sure you catch Alves' free-kick this evening - it was a cracker.

GOAL for Boro!!! A real beauty from Alves. The Brazlian steps up to the free-kick given away by Faye and curls a terrific effort past Sorensen. The ball kissed the top-right angle. No chance for the Danish keeper

Red card for Amdy Faye! The midfielder is dismissed for a two-footed challenge. He did win the ball but also clattered into Shawky's shin. A silly challenge really, there was no need to leap into the tackle with both feet of the ground.

Boro defend a free-kick but the ball falls to Amdy Faye around 20 yards from goal. The Senegalese midfielder tees himself up before ballooning way, way over the bar. He never looked like he was going to send the back of the net rippling.

Horrible defending by Stoke. Truly terrible.Sorensen scuffs a kick before the centre-backs dally on the edge of the box. Alves tries to capatalise with a shot at goal but he slips on his backside. Shawky then follows up but his effort is straight into the keeper's chest.

Plenty of noise coming from the travelling support as both sides look to find their rhythm in the early stages.

Kick-off: Middlesbrough get us under way at The Riverside.

Derek The Barber (lovely stuff there, Derek), is backing the now-trimmed Mido to enter the fray and strike the winner in the dying moments. Don't be shy 'the barber', be brave and get some money on that outcome. The previous sentence of course in no way condones gambling.

The teams are out on the turf with the crowd clapping with appreciation while readying their voices for the hour-and-a-half or so ahead of screaming and yelping.

Don Pidgeon makes the very good point that Boro have made a habit of conceding late goals of late while Stoke have made a habit of scoring them. Don also feels that Mido should be starting today after a number of impressive displays.

I currently have the delight of the panning of the camera to unsuspecting fans before the game. Unfortunately for me, so far whoever is in charge seems intent on identifying the, let's say, not particularly easy-on-the-eye individuals. Superb. Bring on the footy...

John Meredew has responded to Dennis' claim, and insists that Stoke will once again show they can cut it with the big boys.

So it is a Premier League debut for former Arsenal full-back Justin Hoyte. He is a fairly reliable defender and should slot in fine this afternoon. For the vistitors, I will be paying specific attention to Ricardo Fuller after his classy goal against the Villans last week.

Dennis Dury is fully behind The Teessiders and is sure Stoke will be taught a thing or two over the next 90 minutes. What say you Potters fans?

Now, I'll be honest. Boro and Stoke are two clubs that have surprised me during the early stages of this season. Gareth Southgate's men deservedly downed Tottenham on the opening day before going mighty close at Anfield last weekend. The Potters, meanwhile, steadied themselves after a shaky start to claim a shock win over Aston Villa. Therefore, I have my fingers and toes crossed for a belter of an encounter this afternoon. As you may have noticed below, the teams are in. So with around 30 minutes to kick-off, drop me a line with your thoughts on your side's starting XI. It is james.dall@bskyb.com to sling me an email or you can use the feedback button if that tickles your fancy.